Time Schedule:
Brian G. Casserly
HSTAA 338
Seattle Campus
American involvement in Vietnam, including: the complex of negotiations; strategies and objectives of both sides; military, political, and economic operations of the United States; efforts at pacification; impact of Vietnam on American affairs.
Class description
The class will cover the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam from the end of World War II to the late 20th century (with a brief introduction to the earlier history of S.E. Asian and French colonialism). We will look at the military and diplomatic aspects of the war, and its impact on American politics, society and culture. We will also be interested in how the war is remembered.
Student learning goals
Students should leave the course familiar with the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to the late 20th century.
They should also be familiar with the debates over U.S. intervention and how these influenced U.S. policies and how different interpretations and understandings of the war continue to influence current political and cultural discourse.
The class should help students develop their skills in critical thinking and interpretation.
The class should help students develop their skills in written and oral communication.
General method of instruction
Lectures, class discussions, papers, exams, movies, music, etc.
Recommended preparation
No specific prerequisites but it would be helpful if students have a solid grounding in modern U.S. history.
Class assignments and grading
Class participation, at least 2 papers, exams, smaller day-to-day assignments/quizzes, significant reading load.
NOTE: This is an "A" term class, which means that we have to cover everything that would be included in the class if it was taught in the regular term, only do so in 4 weeks. That means that students need to take a significant responsibility for their own learning in terms of completing readings and other assignments on time. Students should be prepared to keep up with the more intense workload of the "A" term.
Further information will be made available in the class syllabus, which will be available on the first day of class.
